For real-time news on business, politics and economic development in the South, go to www.RandleReport.com. For all economic development projects announced in the South, go to www.SB-D.com.
Steel firm to invest $230 million in Columbus, Miss.
Steel Dynamics has announced plans to invest $230 million to upgrade its northeast Mississippi steel mill, creating 45 jobs. The company, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., is shifting production from selling to pipe and tube makers to more lucrative customers, including auto and appliance makers.
Japanese auto supplier expanding Alabama plant with $40 million investment
Unipres Alabama plans to invest $40 million in a new hot stamping process at its production facility in St. Clair County, Ala. The move will create 70 new jobs. The company supplies products for Nissan and Honda.
DENSO Air Systems plans $3.5 million expansion in Hopkinsville, Ky.
DENSO Air Systems Michigan will expand its presence in Christian County with a $3.5 million investment creating 45 full-time jobs. The automotive components manufacturer is headquartered in Japan.
BLG Logistics locates operations in Ladson, S.C.
Designed to support Mercedes-Benz Vans’ production operations, BLG Logistics is locating new operations in Charleston County, projected to create 28 new jobs.
Chemical company launches $11 million expansion of Alabama location
South Korea-based Lotte Chemical Alabama is investing $11.4 million in its Auburn facility. The company manufactures compounded polypropylene resin for plastic automotive and home appliance uses at the site.
Automotive supplier expands manufacturing in Mississippi
A German company that makes automotive parts is expanding in Tishomingo County — hago Automotive Corp. will add 60 jobs and invest $4 million for new equipment in Iuka. By doubling the size of its existing facility, hago Automotive will be able meet the needs of BMW in the U.S., China and South Africa.
Microporous breaks ground in Piney Flats, Tenn.
Microporous held a groundbreaking ceremony recently for its $20 million expansion that will create 35 jobs. The company manufactures separators for batteries that are used in automotive and nuclear products.
JW Aluminum investing $255 million in South Carolina
JW Aluminum, a manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminum products, will invest $255 million in an expansion of its existing Berkeley County operations. The facility’s growth is expected to lead to the creation of 50 new jobs.
Lear Corp. to hire 500 in Alabama
Mercedes-Benz supplier Lear Corp. is hiring 500 people to manufacture seat assemblies for Mercedes-Benz’s Vance plant.
Corvac Composites plans $6.1 million investment in Morgantown, Ky.
Automotive supplier Corvac Composites will expand production in Morgantown, Ky., with a $6.1 million investment expected to create 30 full-time jobs. Corvac makes automotive underbody systems.
Koops expands South Carolina operations
Koops, a manufacturer of automation systems, is growing its existing Greenville County production operations by moving into a larger building Mauldin, S.C. The company’s $2.2 million investment is projected to create 20 new jobs.
Online retailer promises 77 new jobs for Ocala, Fla.
RealTruck, an online retailer of pickup truck parts and accessories, is seeking $385,000 from the city, county and state to establish its national headquarters in Ocala. The company plans to create 77 new jobs.
